Timeline:

A NEW CENTURY

UPRISING

Along with the beginning of a new century, there came another uprising. Ehud Barak found himself presiding over this violence, and resigned as prime minister of Israel. Then, in elections, Ariel Sharon took over.

DEFENCE

Palestinian militants were carrying out campaigns. In response, Israel besieged Arafat. Israel seized almost all of West Bank. They then started building a barrier there that they hoped would prevent attacks from reaching Israel.

JANUARY 2003

Palestinian militants continued attacking Israel. Because of that, Israel killed the founder of Hamas.

AUGUST 2003

Palestinian suicide bombings and Israeli raids began. After some struggle, Abbas resigned as prime minister and was replaced by Ahmed Qurei.

2004

Palestinian suicide bombings and Israeli air strikes continued. Israel responded by killing a Hamas leader. Another leader was killed one month later.

APRIL 2004

Sharon proposed a "disengagement plan." This plan would withdraw 8,000 settlers and the troops that protected them in Gaza Strip.

CONSTRUCTION

Construction of the barrier in West Bank continued even though there were many protests against it. The International Court of Justice declared that the barrier was illegal, but Israel ignored this and continued to build.

OCTOBER-NOVEMBER

Arafat became seriously ill. Later, on November 11th, he passed away. After his death, Mahmoud Abbas became the chairman of the PLO.

2005

Ariel Sharon's disengagement plan continued. There were protests from settlers in Gaza Strip, but the plan did not end.